Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast, Air University commander, presents Gene Kranz with the Air Force ROTC Distinguished Alumni Award during a ceremony Dec. 16, 2014, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Kranz, who received his commission through the ROTC program at Saint Louis University in 1954, was the flight director for the Apollo 13 mission in April 1970 that ended successfully following an explosion aboard the space capsule. Kranz was selected for the distinction because of his exceptional meritorious service to the Air Force and NASA for more than 40 years. (US Air Force photo by Melanie Rodgers Cox/Released)

A combatives instructor helps show proper technique to cadets during a combatives portion of AFROTC summer field training at Maxwell Air Force Base, June 13. The cadets are split into flights where they will attack the training program teamed up with others from all over the U.S. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Blankenship)

A combatives instructor oversees cadets during a combatives portion of AFROTC summer field training at Maxwell Air Force Base, June 13. Cadets are tested in physical fitness, drill, the Field Training Manual and the Airman's Manual. Those who pass the tests earn the opportunity to advance to the next two years of training in their detachments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Blankenship)

A combatives instructor teaches proper technique during a combatives portion of AFROTC summer field training at Maxwell Air Force Base, June 13. Field training is designed to evaluate cadets’ leadership potential and discipline and their readiness to enter into the Professional Officer Course in their junior year, a requirement before receiving a commission from ROTC. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Blankenship)

Learning to lead - Air Force ROTC students battle through the tests to become officers

Cadets learn combative skills during their summer field training on May 22. Combative training is part of the rigorous physical expectations placed on cadets during their 28 days at Maxwell. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Blankenship)

Cadets complete the Maxwell Air Force Base IV ROTC summer field training encampment by taking part in a Prop and Wings ceremony in front of Air University Headquarters Tuesday. The ceremony signifies the cadets’ acceptance into the ‘long blue line of the Air Force.’ The cadets wear the prop and wings emblem after completing the arduous first phase of officer training. Following the ceremony, the cadets pass in review during a parade at Officer Training School’s Welch Field. (Air Force photo/Melanie Rodgers Cox)

More than 140 Air Force ROTC detachment commanders attended the 2009 AFROTC Commander’s Conference in Montgomery, Oct. 22. The commanders are responsible for mentoring and influencing more than 15,000 future leaders enrolled in the program across the world. More than 1,800 cadets are scheduled to receive their Air Force commission this year alone. (U.S. Air Force photo/Melanie Rodgers Cox)

Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., spoke to more than 140 Air Force ROTC detachment commanders at the 2009 AFROTC Commander’s Conference in Montgomery, Oct. 22. General Deptula is an AFROTC graduate and stressed the importance of instilling an air-mindedness mind-set in the future leaders of the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Melanie Rodgers Cox)

Cadet Tyler Holley, of the University of Florida's Air Force ROTC detachment, adds the final touches on the detachment 150's wall mural of the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds in flight. The mural measuring 11-feet high by 24-feet wide took an eight-person cadet and cadre team three weeks to complete. (Courtesy photo)

Two cadets demonstrate combat training for more than 30 university officials June 17-19 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. The cadets are part of the 2009 Field Training for Air Force ROTC cadets from universities around the nation. Field Training is a four-week long program and a requirement towards graduation and ultimately, a commission as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jamie Pitcher)